IL1A and necrotizing enterocolitis: The present study adds to the current literature by demonstrating that the antenatal administration of the synthetic GC dexamethasone suppresses production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-β, and TNF-α, promotes intestinal TJ formation and prevents excessive destruction of TJ structures on the mucosal surface, leading to protection against intestinal injury in experimental NEC in neonatal rats.